Hoover named to replace Pratt as chief public defender in Adams County

QUINCY — Jonathan Hoover recently was appointed as the next chief public defender in Adams County, replacing Christopher Pratt, who began his career as circuit court judge in Adams County earlier this month. Hoover’s appointment was by a vote of the judges of the Eighth Judicial Circuit.    

Hoover will begin his duties on July 15.

Hoover earned his law degree from Washington University School of Law in 2006. He had been a public defender in Missouri for 13 years, working in the 10th Judicial Circuit which covers Monroe, Marion and Ralls counties. He also was an associate at the law firm of Schmiedeskamp, Robertson, Neu and Mitchell, LLP, and he was a partner at Lemon, Matchett and Hoover, LLC, before his appointment. Hoover also has served many years as an adjunct professor at Quincy University.

The Adams County Office of the Public Defender provides legal representation to defendants who are detained or charged with a criminal offense and can’t employ private counsel. The chief public defender is responsible for employing assistant public defenders and office staff to properly discharge the statutory duties of the office.